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Molecular Analysis of Endothelial-mesenchymal Transition Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling
Published on: August 3, 2018
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 in Balkan endemic nephropathy
Ljubica Dukanović1, Visnja Lezaić, Dorde Miljković
1Clinic of Nephrology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia. mamatata@eunet.yu
Nephron. Clinical Practice
|January 17, 2009
Summary
Urinary transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) excretion is significantly higher in patients with Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) and glomerulonephritis (GN) compared to healthy individuals. Plasma TGF-beta1 levels showed wide variation in BEN patients but no significant group differences.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Biomarker Research
- Endemic Diseases
Background:
- Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) is a chronic kidney disease with unknown etiology.
- Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is implicated in kidney fibrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma and urine TGF-beta1 levels in patients with different stages of BEN, primary glomerulonephritis (GN), and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure plasma and urine TGF-beta1.
- Study included 47 BEN patients (30 manifest, 17 early-stage), 12 GN patients, and 10 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Median plasma TGF-beta1 levels did not differ significantly between groups, but BEN patients showed the widest range.
- Median urinary TGF-beta1 excretion (pg/mg creatinine) was significantly higher in manifest BEN (203), early-stage BEN (341), and GN (775) groups compared to controls (42).
- No correlation was observed between plasma and urine TGF-beta1 or between plasma TGF-beta1 and creatinine clearance.
Conclusions:
- Urinary TGF-beta1 excretion is a potential biomarker for kidney damage in BEN and GN.
- Plasma TGF-beta1 levels may not be a reliable diagnostic marker for BEN due to wide individual variations.
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